Kansas State Wildcats Defensive Players To Watch vs. Texas Longhorns
Last season, the Texas Longhorns nearly defeated Kansas State with a 34-27 final score. Although the quarterback situation looks a little different this year for the Wildcats, the defense ultimately caused Kansas State to crumble with a loss.
Former Kansas State starting quarterback Adrian Martinez threw for 329 yards and two touchdowns against the Longhorns, keeping the Wildcats close in score to Texas. However, Kansas State's defense could not contain Longhorns' quarterback Quinn Ewers with 197 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
With Ewers named out for the matchup and quarterback Maalik Murphy set as the starter, the Wildcat's defense will need to form a new game plan to take on this fresh Longhorn quarterback.
In 2022, Kansas State ranked at No. 75 on defense, but now, this year, the Wildcats sit at No. 44 in total defense according to NCAA.
Here are the defensive players the Longhorns will need to keep a close eye on in Week 10 of the 2023 season.
Kansas State Wildcats defensive safety Kobe Savage (2) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field.
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DE Khald Duke
Duke currently leads the Kansas State Wildcats' roster with a total of five sacks this season. On top of that, he has recorded 12 solo tackles and two assisted, for a total of 14 altogether.
LB Austin Moore
Moore is currently tied with safety Kobe Savage in terms of tackles, both totaling 43 this entire season. On top of that, Moore has recorded 1.5 sacks this year which has totaled to 12 lost yards by their opponent.
S Kobe Savage
Savage is currently tied for the lead on the team with two interceptions, and is also tied for the team lead in tackles with 43 alongside Moore. Save also has 2.5 tackles for loss and two QB hurries to his name.